GLOSS Sea Level Data

GLOSS was originally proposed in order to improve the quantity
and quality of Mean Sea Level data supplied to the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level (PSMSL), and GLOSS continues to perform that function. Time series plots of GLOSS station data obtained from the PSMSL RLR database are also available.

(2) Obtain high frequency delayed-mode data from the GLOSS Station Handbook

The supply of MSL data to the PSMSL is not now the ONLY requirement of a country participating in GLOSS. The Implementation Plan 1997 specifies requirements for the free exchange of the original (typically hourly) sea level data in delayed-mode to an International Sea Level Centre. To check the availability of original delayed-mode sea level data from GLOSS sites, see the information for each site contained within the GLOSS Station Handbook.

For high frequency delayed-mode data from ODINAFRICA and Western Indian Ocean tide gauges.

(6) Sea Level Data Archaeology

Details of projects aimed at the data rescue of sea level information available
so far only in paper form (charts, paper tape etc.) and its conversion into
computer-accessible form.

GLOSS Sea Level Data Quality Control

The issue of Quality Control (QC) is the main reason why we now require that original GLOSS sea level data, as well as the monthly and annual means, be sent to an international centre. (In addition, there is of course much interesting oceanography to be studied with the higher frequency data and all data should be preserved in several centres for long term security.) QC for GLOSS data is addressed in several ways:

In the IOC Manuals on Sea Level Measurement and Interpretation (Manuals and Guides No.14, 4 volumes).

In the software packages for tidal analysis available from the University of Hawai`i, the Australian National Tidal Facility and the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level.

'Developments in Sea Level Data Management and Exchange' (6.38 MB) by Lesley Rickards (BODC) and Bernard Kilonsky (UHSLC). This paper was presented at the Ocean Data Symposium, Dublin, Ireland (October 1997) and describes the QC methods followed for data banking of WOCE sea level information, which are essentially those to be followed for GLOSS.